FAQs

Where do you source your meat from and how are the animals raised?

Our line of proteins are all fit for human consumption but do vary in how they are raised. Grade A is the standard meat you get from Safeway and other supermarkets which makes no mention of how the animals were raised. Our Naturals lines are from animals raised without growth hormones, antibiotics or animal by products. They vary between free-run and free-range. Free-run animals are provided slightly larger square footage and have access to light (not necessarily outdoors) whereas free-range animals have a small area that the animals can get to outside. Free-run and free-range relates mostly to chickens and turkeys. Larger animals are outside most of the time due to their sheer size and temperament.

Is the natural chicken meat you use free range and non-medicated?

Yes, our non-medicated line is antibiotic free, contains no growth hormones and is at least free run. Note, the term "free run" is used very loosely. The difference between "free run" and "free range", based on the eggs, is as follows (from the Alberta egg producers web site):

Free-range eggs are those from hens who have access to nesting boxes, open floor space, perches and outdoor runs. Free run eggs, on the other hand, are from hens allowed to roam freely in an enclosed facility (barn). Producers have more work because egg safety and quality is more challenging to manage in both these situations since eggs can come in contact with droppings and dirt, as well as can be laid in many places making quick egg collection a challenge. The nutrient content of these eggs is NO different than the nutrient content of eggs of hens raised in conventional cage housing systems.

How long can you keep thawed raw pet food in the fridge?

Our recommendations is to use the food within 2 days of opening the package as most pet owners will tend to defrost the product by leaving in on the counter-top which shortens the life span dramatically. If you thaw the product in the fridge, you may be able to get another day out of it. But as rule, we always say use it within 2 days of opening the package.

Do all meals have the Basic Instincts formula (including the bone-in meals)?

Yes they do, but the ones with natural bone in do not have the steamed lamb bone meal which is reflected on the label.

What are the benefits of having gelatin in your Basic Instincts formula?

We use the gelatin for two reasons; it is a thickening agent and it is high in the essential amino acid Lysine. Further, it has also been shown, in blind studies, that gelatin can help to repair cartilage and ease the pain of arthritis.

Some of your meals have 20% heart (when available). What do you use when heart isn't available?

When heart is not available we use muscle meat to make up the difference. Heart meat is also considered a muscle meat, but it contains higher concentrations of taurine which is very valuable to felines as it helps protect the heart and eyes.

Why should I switch my pet to raw pet food?

You can check out the benefits page on this website for any number of specific reasons why your pet should be eating a healthy, raw food diet...but it basically comes down to simple common sense. Your pet will be healthy, happier and live longer.

What is the process for switching my pet to raw pet food?

Every pet has different tolerance levels and switching "cold turkey" may not be the easiest process for either you or your friend. A bit of patience and common sense will make the transition easier on all concerned. The following are some guidelines that you can follow but we always recommend that you check with your holistic veterinarian before switching your pet to a raw pet food diet.

What are some raw pet food mixes that I can use?

The dietary mix depends on which stage your pet is at in it's transition to raw pet food. The dietary mix should shift during the transition to raw pet food and then reach a new balance post-transition. As with all of our recommendations, we always ask that you check with your holistic veterinarian first before changing the proportions and contents of your pet's food. The following are some benchmarks for your reference:

What changes can I expect to see in my pet?

Some pets may experience "nutritional detoxification" during or after the transition to a healthy raw pet food diet. This is just a different way of saying they are purging their systems of all the built up toxins from their previous diets and it is a normal process. Depending on the state of your pets immune system the symptoms can vary quite dramatically.